Circuit and method for statically testing rotating rectifiers in brushless alternators
First Claim
1. A method for testing rectifiers mounted on rotors of brushless alternators comprising the steps of:
- applying an AC voltage to an exciter field winding of a brushless alternator having a plurality of rectifiers mounted on a rotor, said rectifiers being electrically connected to an exciter armature winding which is inductively coupled to said exciter field winding;
measuring the magnitude of an even harmonic component of current in said exciter field winding; and
comparing said magnitude to a first predetermined value to obtain an indication of the operational status of at least one of said rectifiers.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Rectifiers mounted on the rotor of a brushless alternator are tested by applying an AC voltage to an exciter field winding of the brushless alternator. This applied voltage induces current in a rotor mounted exciter armature winding which is inductively coupled to the exciter field winding and produces current flow through the rectifiers. The magnitude of an even harmonic component of the exciter field winding current is measured and compared to a predetermined magnitude to obtain an indication of the operational status of at least one of the rectifiers. This comparison may be done manually or may be performed electronically in accordance with known techniques.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for testing rectifiers mounted on rotors of brushless alternators comprising the steps of:
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applying an AC voltage to an exciter field winding of a brushless alternator having a plurality of rectifiers mounted on a rotor, said rectifiers being electrically connected to an exciter armature winding which is inductively coupled to said exciter field winding; measuring the magnitude of an even harmonic component of current in said exciter field winding; and comparing said magnitude to a first predetermined value to obtain an indication of the operational status of at least one of said rectifiers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A circuit for testing rectifiers mounted on rotors of brushless alternators comprising:
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an AC voltage source for applying an AC voltage to an exciter field winding of a brushless alternator having a plurality of rectifiers mounted on a rotor, said rectifiers being electrically connected to an exciter armature winding which is inductively coupled to said exciter field winding; means for measuring the magnitude of an even harmonic component of current in said exciter field winding; and means for comparing said magnitude to a first preselected value to obtain an indication of the operational status of at least one of said rectifiers. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification